Biblical Exegesis And Interreligious Polemics In The Arabic Apocalypse Of Peter—The Book Of The Rolls

10.1163/ej.9789004155589.i-421.29

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Chapter Summary

The discussion of the Arabic Apocalypse of Peter or Book of the Rolls in this chapter has hopefully shown how apocalyptic prophecies, biblical exegesis, polemical tales and common anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim notions are all integrated in the text in order to provide the audience with an all-encompassing idea of how Islam can be explained from a Christian perspective. The text shows how Islam will come and how it will end, why it is better not to mingle with Muslims, and what happens if one does. The chapter shows how the apocalyptic approach to Islam and its polemical-theological evaluation are interwoven so as to become mutually reinforcing: the projected future downfall of Islam proves its lack of divine support, while its doctrines prove its future downfall. Although it would be worth dissecting it further, we ought to realize that the text is not a theological tract.